Gorilla trekking has become the most attracting activity in Africa especially in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many tourists prefer going to the deep tropical rainforests searching for these endangered gorillas and some even end up doing three times tracking after their experience. In these three countries, trekking is now the leading tourist attraction bringing in visitors from different countries all over the world.
Uganda is known for its unsurpassed biodiversity but gorilla trekking safaris are the most popular and are the prime reason many tourists visit Uganda. Mountain gorillas are scientifically known as Gorilla beringei beringei and in Uganda occupy the thick Tropical rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks found in the south-western corner of the country.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a one-of-a kind activity that leads enthusiastic primate lovers to the dense jungles to meet one of the 21 habituated gorilla families that call Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks home. With more than half the World’s population of surviving mountain gorillas calling these Park’s home, Uganda is definitely the best gorilla trekking destination. Mgahinga is a home to only one habituated gorilla family known as Nyakagyezi while Bwindi Impenetrable offers shelter to 20 habituated gorilla families found within the four sectors of the Park thus 160 permits are available per day. The habituated groups you will trek when you visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking safaris are Habinyanja, Mubare, Rushegura, Katwe, Nkuringo, Christmas, Bushaho, Bikingi, Mucunguzi, Kutu, Rwigi, Busingye, Bweza, Kahungye, Nshongi, Mishaya, Bitukura, Oruzogo, Kyaguliro and Mukiza. With a valid gorilla permit costing only $600, you will be able to trek the mentioned gorilla families and spend one hour with them.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest national park
One hour of magical encounter with mountain gorillas
Stopover at Equator (Kayabwe)
Batwa experience
Breathtaking views of the landscape in southwestern Uganda among others
Photo taking
View the tree climbing lions at the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Summary Itinerary Gorilla Trekking Tour
What is included in your 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Tour
Gorilla trekking permit ($600 per person)
Batwa cultural experience
Visit Lake Mutanda or Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation 2 nights and meals
Transport in 4-wheel drive safari vehicle
Fulltime English-speaking driver guide
Stopover at the equator and at Mpambire drum makers
What is excluded in your 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Tour
Personal/medical insurance
Personal expenses such as cigarettes, tips, laundry services, airfares, accommodation and extra activities outside itinerary and others.
Other safari activities offered in Bwindi National Park
Birding
Cycling
Nature walks/hiking
Gorilla habituation experience
When to go for gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park
Bwindi National Park is regarded as all year-round safari destination. Despite this fact, the dry season is the best time to go trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park. The dry season in Bwindi National Park starts in the months of June, July, August, September and December, January, February. It is also regarded as the peak season and you are encouraged to secure your gorilla permit at least 3-4 months before actual trek. The wet or rainy season is also ideal but it is characterized by plenty of rainfall which makes the habitat muddy thus posing a challenge when hiking through dense vegetation and steep slopes. It starts in March, April, May, and October, November. The wet season is characterized by plenty of forage which gorillas depend on which makes it simpler or visitors take short hours to find these creatures compared to the dry season when they move to search for what to feed on.
What to Carry for a 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Tour
Waterproof hiking boots
Rain jacket or poncho
Long sleeved shirt/t-shirts
Drinking water and energy giving snacks
Sweater
Valid visa and passport
Gorilla permits (each costing $600-for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and Ug.shs. 250000 for East African citizens).
Gardening gloves
Camera with no flashlight
First aid kit
Insect repellent
Hat
Sunglasses and others.
Gorilla Trekking Rules to consider while in Bwindi
Keep a distance of 7 meters at all times away from mountain gorillas
No flashlight camera is allowed when taking photos of gorillas and if your camera has, please turn it off
Keep your voices low while on the trek but feel free to ask as many questions as possible
Do not go for gorilla trekking if you are not feeling well
Do not smoke, drink or eat in the presence of gorillas
Keep within your group and never surround gorillas
Only persons above 15 years are allowed to trek gorillas
You have only an hour to have face to face encounter with gorillas
Watching mountain gorillas play is surely one of the world’s most moving wildlife experiences. On this wonderful tour you could experience it for yourself, amongst dozens of other unforgettable encounters. Glimpse the endangered chimpanzees of Kibale Forest and spot crocodiles and hippos wallowing in the Kazinga Channel on a boat safari. In Lake Mburo National Park, hear the local fauna spring into noisy, exuberant life on an early morning nature walk. Throughout, you’ll enjoy incredible views from your warm and welcoming lodges.
Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla tracking
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park
Day 3: Return to Entebbe or Kampala
